ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2026
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the event course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please checkback on this EEI before travelling to the event.
This EEI was last updated on: 26/11/2025
WELCOME TO MONGOLIA.
WELCOME TO THE MONGOL 100 2026.
Dear #ratracer,
We hope that the excitement is building for what is going to be an otherworldly experience on the ice! We certainly cannot wait to return to the birthplace of our Bucket List adventures and the most surreal, audacious and hauntingly beautiful journey known to man.
Please find our Essential Event Information document, containing what we hope is a comprehensive outlook towards your journey next year. If you have not done so already, do ensure that you are fully conversant with the website and then pour yourself a cuppa (or something a little stronger!) and read on…
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Kate Guard
Event Director, Rat Race Mongol 100
FILES AND DOWNLOADS:
KEY REMINDERS:
Make sure you’ve read this document thoroughly well ahead of your departure date to ensure there are no last minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com
SKIP TO SECTION
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Event Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later than 6th January 2026.
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Medical Form MUST be submitted NO later than 6th January 2026.
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The Q&A Webinar will take place on 6PM GMT on Tuesday 13th January 2026. The webinar will be recorded and emailed to you the following day so you can watch it back at your leisure if you are unable to make the date and time. The link and passcode to join the Q&A session is within the email you received alongside the EEI.
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Arrival: We recommend that you arrive in Ulaanbaatar on 28/02/2026 - the day before our itinerary begins.
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Insurance: You need insurance. If you are bringing your own equipment, please ensure it is insured against loss, theft and/ or damage. You will need a medical repatriation and evacuation policy that has a minimum of $500 000 trip cover on it. You will submit your policy details to us in the Event Participation Form and we will ensure we have the correct number to call your insurer if we need to evacuate you or provide serious medical attention. We also highly recommend a policy that covers you for curtailment and non-attendance.
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Kit: You will need to pass a kit check to be able to take part in the event. This will take place in Khatgal on Day Two. If your kit is not right the Event Team will reserve the right to prevent you starting the event. Don’t worry – there are several touchpoints before departure to ensure this does not occur including the Q&A session and the Kit List section below. If in any doubt on kit, please do get in touch with us at events@ratrace.com and we can help!
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Expedition Meals: You will need 4 days’ worth of Exped meals PLUS one day of contingency – 5 days total. Discounts available for those who still need them with expeditionfoods.com. Get 15% off at check-out by quoting RatRace15. See below for exact meal breakdown required.
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Live events decision-making: During the event, the Event Director’s decision is final. They are at all times acting in the combined interest and safety of both individuals and the group as a whole.
TIME ZONE
+ 5 GMT
PHONE CODE
(+976)
CURRENCY
Mongolian Togrog
TEMPERATURE
March temperatures average -5°C in the daytime & -22°C at night
ITINERARY
ARRIVALS
We have recommended that you fly into Chinggis Khan International Airport the day before our official itinerary commences on 01/03/26 - or earlier if you prefer. However, if you do wish to arrive on 01/03/26, your flight must be scheduled to land no later than 0530 local time.
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Participants arriving into Chinggis Khan International Airport in the early hours of 01/03 will be met at the airport by members of the Rat Race crew at 0700.
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Participants who have overnighted in UB on 28/02 will be picked up from Bayangol Hotel in central UB at 0700. If you are not staying in this hotel, please make your way there for 0700. We will then join together in convoy to drive to Khatgal, a journey time of approximately 14 hours.
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Our arrival time at Khatgal is likely to be around 2200. Whilst this will be a long day of travel, going by road means we avoid any delays or cancellations that can frequently occur on Mongolia’s domestic air travel routes.​
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PRE-ARRIVAL (AND POST DEPARTURE) ACCOMODATION AND TRANSFER SERVICE IN UB
For those flying in a day early on 28/02, we can assist with airport transfers to downtown UB. Please indicate on the Event Participant Form if you require an airport transfer. The transfer will cost US$35 per person and will take you direct to your hotel. Please note, we only offer the option to book airport transfers on 28/02 (pre-event) and 09/03 (post-event). If you are travelling to and from the airport outside of these dates, you will need to source your own transport.
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For ease, if you are overnighting in UB on 28/02 you can book yourself into the same hotel where our transfer will pick you up from at 0700 on 01/03 - the Bayangol Hotel in central UB. Or find somewhere else to stay nearby and make your own way back to the Bayangol Hotel for pick up.
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For those wanting to return to the airport on the 09/03 we can arrange transfers back to the airport from your hotel for US$35pp.
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​For those who will be staying in UB before or after the event, we will likely arrange an optional guided tour of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in UB followed by a visit to the Chinggis Khaan horse statue outside UB on either 28/02/26 or 09/03/26. The full-day tour will cost approximately US$120pp and include a local chaperone, traditional lunch and all transport. We have run this tour in previous years with our local partners and it’s been very well received – a great introduction to Mongolia! More details to follow nearer the time.​
TRANSPORT FROM KHATGAL TO KHANK - DAY PRIOR TO CHALLENGE START
On 02/03/26 the group will make its way to the starting location for the Mongol 100 at Khank, situated at the northern end of Lake Khovsgol. This will be carried out as a convoy, utilising people carriers and 4x4-style vehicles. All participants and crew will travel together.
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RETURN TO UB - 8TH MARCH 2026
Breakfast will be served at Khatgal early and we will depart at 0800 for a road transfer back to UB. This will take approx 14 hours. Therefore, you should not plan any onward travel before Monday 9th March.
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DAY ONE / ARRIVAL DAY
Sunday 1st March 2026
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0700: Pick up from the Bayangol Hotel for those staying in UB.
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0700: Pick up from the airport for anyone arriving on a flight before 0530. We will meet you at the airport and the two groups will then join in a vehicle convoy.
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0800 - 2200: Transfer to Khatgal by road convoy for all participants and crew
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2200 (approx): Arrival in Khatgal. Allocation of accommodation and personal admin time. Food served.
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Accommodation: Ger camp.
Meals: Breakfast, hot dinner and simple lunch.
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​DAY TWO / ADMIN & SKILLS CHECK
Monday 2nd March 2026
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0800: Breakfast
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0930: Orientation by the Event Team
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1000: Registration activities including kit check and admin
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1100: Skills check for skaters and cyclists
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1230: Lunch
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1330: Chill time / time on the ice for those who wish
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1830: Dinner with local entertainment
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Accommodation: Ger camp.
Meals: Breakfast, hot dinner and simple lunch
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DAY THREE / TO THE START
Tuesday 3rd March 2026
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0800: Breakfast
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0930: All aboard! Ice convoy departs for Khank
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1300: Lunch stop on the ice
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1600: Arrive in Khank. Allocation of accommodation
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1830: Dinner
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Accommodation: Ger camp.
Meals: Breakfast, hot dinner and simple lunch
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DAY FOUR / THE MONGOL 100 BEGINS!
Wednesday 4th March 2026
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0800: The adventure begins here!
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Accommodation: Wilderness camp.
Meals: Breakfast provided at Khank, lunch and dinner will be your own expedition meals, hot water provided.
DAY FIVE / ICE ICE BABY
Thursday 5th March 2026
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Get ready for another spectacular day on the ice!
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Accommodation: Wilderness camp.
Meals: Hot water is provided at breakfast, pit stops and at dinner for preparation of your own expedition meals.
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DAY SIX / MORE ICE...
Friday 6th March 2026
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Buckle up for an epic penultimate day on the ice whether you're skating, trekking or biking!
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Accommodation: Wilderness camp.
Meals: Hot water is provided at breakfast and lunch for preparation of your own expedition meals. Dinner provided at camp.
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DAY SEVEN / CELEBRATION TIME!
Saturday 7th March 2026
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Your final day on the ice - the finish line awaits!
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1930 - Celebration dinner and entertainment back in Khatgal
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2130 - Awards ceremony
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Accommodation: Ger camp.
Meals: Hot water is provided at breakfast and lunch for preparation of your own expedition meals. Celebration dinner provided.
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​DAY EIGHT / DEPARTURE DAY
Sunday 8th March 2026
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0630: Breakfast
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0800: Depart back to UB by road, this will take approx 14 hours. You should therefore not plan any onward travel until Monday 9th.
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DAY TO DAY: WHAT TO EXPECT
​​​​KHATGAL & KHANK ACCOMODATION
For the ‘bookend’ nights at opposite ends of the lake, on 01 & 02/03/26 and then on 07/03/26, accommodation will be within existing permanent ger camps. Accommodation units at these locations will take the form of gers, cabins or similar. You will be roomed up to 4 persons per ger at these locations. All gers and cabins will feature a central wood-burning stove, beds and some may also be equipped with power outlets and electric light. Please note that owing to the type of location and accommodation, mixed occupancy is possible. 
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REMOTE CAMPS
When out on the ice, we will have 3 remote camp locations along the shore of Lake Khovsgol (including 1 night on an island in the middle of the lake). These camps will utilize local traditional Tipis for housing all crew and participants. You will be accommodated in groups of up to 8 per Tipi including a local Mongolian who will tend the fire through the night and you will be provided with mattresses or camp beds. Each Tipi will be equipped with a central wood-burning stove. There will be no electrical provision at these remote camps. A more authentically Mongolian wilderness experience you will be hard-pressed to find.
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ABLUTIONS AND HYGIENE
At Khank and Khatgal, toilet facilities will consist of long-drop toilets in outhouses. On the lake, our provision will be long-drops or temporary ‘seat-and-bag’ facilities. You will be provided with bags for on-the-lake use – suitable for all waste (liquid/ solid). The firm advice is always to ensure you are ‘self-contained’ with toilet roll and with anti-bacterial handwash gel. There are no showers at this event. You should keep to a high level of personal hygiene by using wet wipes, washing with water and keeping hands clean at all times. Check wounds and blisters regularly for infection.
​FOOD & BEV
All meals will be provided whilst at Khank and Khatgal. A packed lunch will be provided for the convoy journey up the lake from Khatgal to Khank.
For the days on the ice, you will be supported by Rat Race Pit Stops approximately every 10km, featuring hot and cold water, small grab and go snacks and hot drinks such as local blueberry tea and coffee. You should look to augment these Pit Stops with your own snack supplies and we would recommend you have something like a freeze-dried meal, some noodles or cup-a-soups if you would like something more substantial during the day, at lunchtime for example. There will be plenty of water available for you to rehydrate such items. 
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For the remote camps, we will provide hot water and you will provide your own freeze-dried expedition meals for breakfast and evening meals. To be 100% forensic on the freeze-dried meals, this is what is required and recommended:
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Wed 04/03/26: 2 x meals – lunch and dinner (breakfast provided at Khank)
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Thu 05/03/26: 3 x meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Fri 06/03/26: 2 x meals – breakfast, lunch (reindeer feast provided for dinner)
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Sat 07/03/26: 2 x meals – breakfast, lunch (dinner provided at Khatgal)
This is 9 meals to bring with you in total if you intend to eat something hot for lunch each day (optional). The advice is to bring 12 meals, and you then have 3 spares in case you feel you simply need the extra calories.  
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OVER ICE BAR
On the 4-6th when we are on the ice, there will be drinks available in the evenings as standard. Kind of when it is gone it is gone. When in the permanent camps there will be an honesty bar available.
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ROUTE
THE ROUTE
Our route will take a line from camp to camp from Khank to Khatgal, from North to South down Lake Khovsgol. The exact route will not be known until we do it. Due to movement of ice, seams opening up and other factors, the ‘actual line’ is impossible to recce until we do it. That having been said, we are in general following a known transit channel on the lake, so our general direction – and of course our camp locations – are fixed.
WAYMARKING
We will use very little. We will use various assets to mark your route: Stationary vehicles, moving vehicles, horses and sledges, some big orange flags, and other vertically protruding items (such as branches or large sticks). Vehicle tracks and runners’ spike marks will also mark the way ahead. The visibility and nature of the flat open terrain is such that very little ‘direction’ marking is required. Hazards will be marked where necessary. We will not give you GPX files as we will not be able to pre- specify the track, however you are welcome to record your own GPS track when you are out on the lake.
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BIKE & SKATING SKILLS CHECK
Those opting to skate or to bike will undergo a brief skills demonstration on the ice. This is to check you and your gear know what you are getting yourself into. Whilst it is unlikely, the event team will reserve the right to switch your participation to foot-only if they are not satisfied in your ability to control yourself with your equipment. This is for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.
COURSE CUT OFFS & WITHDRAWALS
This event is not about cut-offs but having a ‘cut-off’ and a ‘sweeping’ structure is an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment processes. Cut off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, injury, going the wrong way, time taken at Pit Stops, head winds and whether it is your fault or not. We understand that missing cut offs can be tough to take but please remember this is not the crew member’s fault that breaks the news to you, should it happen to you. Please also remember that if this does happen to you, the Event team’s decision is final.
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If you are cut off, there will be no option to re-start from where you were cut off the next day. (The event only ever moves forwards). You may however re-start the next day from the official re-start location; subject to the discretion of the event team.
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There are a number of reasons why you may be cut-off or withdrawn from the event. These could be medical, pace, kit, personal or other factors.
It is OK to retire and to be taken forward to the overnight camp. We’d rather you re-started the next day vs suffer meaninglessly and spoil it for yourself. We call this being ‘boosted.’
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As far as the time available goes to avoid a cut-off, there is no ‘set’ cut off time each day. (i.e. Time limit or published time). Instead, we require all participants to be at the finish location before nightfall. If this is looking unlikely you will be ‘swept’ forward. That is the cut-off.
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Above all else, please remember, this event is not about cut-offs. It is about getting the most out of this magical environment. We will not cut you off and sweep you forward unless we really have to. And if we do, it is for your own safety.
COURSE CHANGES
The nature of an adventure is that sometimes the certain becomes uncertain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we need to wheel out Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
'BEDDING DOWN INTO THE COURSE'
It is probable that when you set off on the adventure on day 1, the first hours of the first day may be a bit hit n’ miss. Pace, temperature regulation, kit selection, footwear etc. All to be expected. Embrace that ‘bedding down into it’ phase and listen to your body and to your kit. Expect some unexpected phenomena (not UFOs, just unusual kit or equipment issues that you may not have quite been expecting). Use this time to just get used to the environment, the gear and the temperature. Go with it and relax. By Pit Stop 1 or 2, you’ll have worked out enough to be comfortable…
ICE CONDITION – SURFACE AND THICKNESS
It is implicit but worth stating that if insufficient ice depth is present, the Event will not risk journeying on this surface and an alternative plan will be devised to route around thin ice. The current (and statistical historical) information dictates that this is extremely unlikely, but it is worth stating, nonetheless. More likely is that snow, or particularly certain freezing conditions, renders some sections of the ice surface as difficult to negotiate, particularly on skates. In most cases, walkers/ runners and cyclists should be able to navigate the surface. For skaters, if the surface becomes un-negotiable on back-country skates, you must detach skates and walk or run. You should in all cases be prepared to do this. For skaters it is highly unlikely that you will skate 100% of the full length of the lake in any case. As such, you should practise detaching your skates, applying studs to your boots and walking as you may be required to do this multiple times during a day’s journey. Ice forms in plates that rub against one another. Some of this action forms pressure ridges where ice sheets push up towards and on top of one another. These are distinguished by bands of rubble, which are in most cases easy to step/ climb up and over. In other cases, the ice plates pull apart, forming small seams where water can seep upwards. If you encounter a ‘wet’ ice seam that you are unsure of how to negotiate, you must wait for assistance from the event crew. More information on seams will be given prior to commencement of the event. During our convoy drive up the lake on 03/03/25 you will see some of these features first-hand.
PITSTOPS
Our provision will be made to you approximately every 10km (or less) and we will provide 3 Pit Stop locations each day. Each Pit Stop will feature a vehicle, staff, comms and of course, some food and drink.
MANDATORY KIT
​Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you from perishing. It is a serious list and we know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this. Please do not skimp on kit.
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PERSONAL MED KIT
Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be always carried) is as follows: 
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Roller bandage
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Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
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Steri-Strips
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Antiseptic (spray or cream)
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Assorted plasters
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Rubber gloves
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Paracetamol (Not Ibuprofen)
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Prescribed medication
 
 BLISTER KIT
Our mandatory Blister kit spec is Compeed (or similar adhesive blister dressings).
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If you wish to pack our enhanced recommended kit, we advise the following:
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Small dry bag to contain:
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Zinc oxide tape
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Self-adhesive dressing tape (e.g. Mefix)
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Small moleskin patch
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Scissors or penknife
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Compeed - various sizes
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Rubbing alcohol
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Benzoin tincture or Iodine
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Pin to pop blisters
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Lighter to sterilise pin
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Lube stick (to prevent blisters by lubing feet pre-run, particularly at possible hotspot pressure points)
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BLOG
Read our handy 'What kit do you need on the Mongol 100' blog HERE. It includes tips and links to some recommended kit/brands.
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REGISTRATION KIT CHECK
During Registration in Khatgal we will be conducting a kit check as part of the Reg process. The full kit list can be found by clicking the blue Mandatory Kit List button above. However, as a minimum, we will be checking:
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4 season sleeping bag
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A working headtorch
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Survival bag (NOT blanket)
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A First Aid Kit
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Suitable gloves
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Suitable footwear
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Suitable water carrying method
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Freeze-dried rations
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You may be asked to show any other items from the mandatory kit list. Clearly at this point, the die is somewhat cast in respect of where we are geographically and the ability to ‘fill in any gaps’ is therefore heavily reduced; however we will look to assist where we can, in the event of major kit catastrophe. If you do not have the appropriate kit with you when you register in Khatgal, you may not be allowed to participate. Please bring everything on the list and do not be tempted to leave that extra layer at home.
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The full mandatory kit list can be viewed by clicking the blue Mandatory Kit List button above, with some commentary on suggested selections. We will have the Q & A webinar and demonstration of the mandatory kit. Whilst this is close to departure date, it does provide a few week’s’ grace for anyone who still needs to get (or perhaps swap) or replace any key items.
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If in any doubt about kit, please check in with us. We have devised the mandatory kit list for your protection and safety and we will not be able to make any exceptions on required items. Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you from freezing to death. It is serious. ​​​
ADVENTURE REGISTRATION PACK
In Khatgal, there will be one adventure pack issued per person. Your Event Pack will contain:
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Bib Number: You should try and wear this on the outside of all clothing so that it is always visible. It is also essential for the photographer to see who you are, if you are going with the photo service (See more on that below). A good place to wear it is on the back of your event pack, if you are carrying one
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Baggage Labels – For your overnight bag & day pack.
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Event T-Shirt & Rag - Essential wear! Your preferred size will be provided if you communicate this to us in our form, linked in this document. If we do not receive size info from you, you will receive size Large as default.
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BAGS
There are 2 bags you’ll need for this event:
Day pack: You will use this bag to carry food, water and other supplies during the event. Please make sure it is big enough to carry all the mandatory kit. You can choose to carry water in a bladder or water bottles.
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Main overnight bag: This should be a soft duffel or hold-all (please, no hard suitcases or wheels) and be capable of carrying all your kit. It must be one bag (not a series of bags). Size is not too important – up to 120l is OK as we do realise all this kit is bulky – but please try not to exceed the 23kg mark (this is the upper limit for most economy class allowances on international airlines anyway). This bag will be carried by our Event Team while you are on the ice. ​
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AVOIDING KIT CATASTROPHE IN TRANSIT
It is not impossible that your gear may not arrive with you into Mongolia. In general, the longer you are in Mongolia ahead fo the event, the easier this is to solve. Once you start travelling away from major airports, getting re-united with lost bags becomes harder especially where we are heading. To avoid the chances of total catastrophe, we would recommend that you do travel with some event clothing in your hand luggage.
Experience tells us that if you arrive wearing or physically carrying some of what you need, the likelihood of getting you on the start line increases dramatically, vs those whose entire event kit is in their hold baggage making its way around a carousel in the wrong airport far, far away.  
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SKATES
To get technical, you require a back-country skate with a ‘NNN BC’ binding and a corresponding boot to take such a binding. The skate of choice we would recommend is the Lundhags Torne BC with Rottefella NNN BC bindings. These can be rented for £100 from Rat Race. We have limited pairs, so it’s a first-come, first-served affair on these. Please indicate in your Event Participation Form if you would like to rent a pair of skates and Rottefella NNN BC binding set from Rat Race and Hannah will be in touch to confirm this with you.
Please note this is only the skates you are renting, not the boots as well.
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Please see our recommendation/example of skates, binding and boots needed below:
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Skate and binding HERE
Boots: HERE​
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Q&A WEBINAR
The Q&A Webinar on 13th January is a great opportunity to ask any kit related questions and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
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RAT RACE STORE
As a #RatRacer you now have a 15% discount in our store so you can get kitted out for your next adventure. Use the code RATRACE15 to save 15% on full priced kit only, excludes event specific merchandise and bundles.
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MEDICAL OPERATION & PARTICIPANT SAFETY
MEDICAL OPERATIONS
Our team is there for you in case you have an incident and require assistance. The team will shadow the progress of the challenge each day in vehicles and on horse sledges, on foot, bike and perhaps also, on skates; before establishing a med centre each afternoon at the camp location to which we are heading. Whilst the medics are there for ‘what ifs,’ they are also a great source of preventative advice; so please do use them to ask questions and check best practice, particularly in suspected foot injury or issues such as blisters or cold management issues.
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MEDICAL SCREENING
Please complete the Medical Form HERE. Please complete this as soon as possible – and certainly please, no later than 06/01/2026. If you do have any conditions that you feel we should know about, however small you feel it may be, please do share this with our Medics. Experience has shown that early pre-screening can assist both us and you greatly in enabling the care you need pre and during the trip. If you do not share information on conditions which are likely to affect your participation or decide to share them very late in the process, we are all under pressure and we will always reserve the right to cancel your participation if we feel there is a medical issue that may affect yours, or others’ safety. So please, do share anything and everything you feel our team should know about, at the earliest opportunity.
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IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION:
We are very fortunate to have an excellent Medical Director providing oversight, planning and screening on all of our international trips, who in turn engages seriously professional and qualified staff to join you on the trip. Rat Race also conforms and has been audited to the rigorous BS8848 standard of expedition management. This means our approach to all things safety and medical is extremely thorough and it is designed throughout with your best interest at heart.
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Your medical screening details will be sent direct to our medical team and under medical confidentiality rules, this will only be shared with our medics and no-one else. If they decide this is info that is in the best interests of everyone for us as organisers to be privy to, they will seek and gain your consent before doing so. It is therefore important you complete the Medical Form only via the link HERE. Do not send Rat Race medical information direct. If you have any queries at all on the medical side of things in relation to this event, you can email our Medical Director, Dr Patrick Musto confidentially on office@trailmed.com and he and his team will assist.
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TRAVEL MEDICINE ADVICE
As well as being a practising NHS Emergency Care Doctor and Expedition Medicine Specialist, Dr Musto is also a qualified travel medicine practitioner. Please view the Travel Medicine Advice for Extreme Cold PDF HERE
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EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
In the event of a true emergency or serious incident you will be notified of protocols at the pre-event briefing in Khatgal. If you are with an injured party whilst on the route, stay with the casualty and await assistance. In the event of a non-emergency incident but for which action is requested from the organisers, then you should place a call (we will give you numbers) or if no phone reception, you should send a message forward to the next Pit Stop with another participant if possible and/or await an event crew member approaching via vehicle/or on foot from behind. This might be medical, logistical or kit/ equipment breakdown as examples. We politely ask that you stop and help someone that is in difficulty – you will be the first person to find them – remember to take note of time, place (number of km, or minutes/ hours from last Pit Stop) and participant number/ name at the incident site. Remember we are all in it together and we are in effect one big team.
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POOR WEATHER CONTINGENCY
The prevailing climate is cold and dry. That is not to say that, like anywhere else on Earth, we may not encounter unseasonal conditions. Particularly in this area, we may experience cold winds, fog or possibly snowfall. Or indeed any other climactic conditions. The event will proceed in many conditions, but if it is deemed unsafe to continue due to weather conditions, the event will be halted at the current camp (or destination camp), participants will be brought forward to that camp if required and the Event will await more favourable conditions to re-commence. This may result in some stages being cut short and participants being moved forward in vehicles in order to achieve daily mileages within the time available. In all cases, the decision of the Event team is final in these matters. We will monitor weather throughout. ​​​
INSURANCE FOR YOU & YOUR EQUIPMENT
We have asked that you have in place Travel Insurance cover and specified Evacuation cover to last for a minimum period of the event duration for the days you are with us on the published itinerary. Evacuation and medical expenses cover should total no less than $500 000. A copy of this cover/covers (if separate policies) is required to be received by us by 06/01/2026.
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​We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12-week departure window, we cannot provide any transfers and, in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.
Some suggested providers are as follows:
For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product: https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/.
Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product; however, Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent wholeheartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers, in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.
Other providers:
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Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers, but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.
Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals.
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GENERAL SAFETY AROUND VEHICLES
This event takes place on a frozen lake. It is used in winter as a conduit for traffic heading north to the Russian border. Traffic is very, very light. We do however have our own event vehicles operating and you may therefore come across our own vehicles or those of the driving public. You must courteously give way to other users whilst on the route, whether they are cars, motor bikes, horse traffic, sledges, or other vehicles.
MUSIC PLAYERS
While these are allowed, please control their volume according to your environment. Use your judgment at all times when listening to music or audiobooks. Please also be aware that if you cannot hear general voice levels you might miss instructions from marshals, other participants or approaching vehicles. We suggest that you run the leads behind you so that persons or vehicles approaching from behind might be able to see that you are wired for sound.
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LITTER
We want to show that this event has exemplary control of littering. Please help us achieve that. Pack your litter into your pack, pockets or nearby bin bag (trash sack) at a vehicle. No exceptions. Mongolia is a pristine wilderness environment, and our absolute commitment is to keep it that way.
FINAL ADMIN
TRANSFER DEADLINE
At the time of booking, on our website and within our welcome email we made clear that your purchase is non-refundable. But up until 12 weeks prior to departure, you could use our transfer system if you wished to withdraw from the event. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.
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We want to be really clear that the transfer option is there for you if you need it. But it does have a deadline. That deadline is Sunday 7th December 2025. This is 12 weeks prior to the event and our advertised standard transfer window for international events. After this time, we regret that we simply cannot change entries and if you are in, you’re in. So if you don’t think you’re in this time around, please do ensure you use that transfer window and get your transfers in by the dates above. You can do that by logging into your RR account, heading to the ‘Your Entries’ tab and hitting the ‘Transfer button’.
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Please note event credit is exempt from the transfer process. Once credit is redeemed against an event entry it is locked into that event. You can read our transfer policy HERE
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EVENT ETHOS:‘RACING’ AND OUR FINISH TIMES SERVICE
Completing not competing. Rat Race’s ethos has always been about inspiring folk to undertake challenges in awesome outdoor locations. Mongol 100 is just that, taken to an epic level. This is not a formal race environment and there are no winners and losers. We do not award prizes for the fastest folk. There will be no splits. Indeed, there will be no timings. Rat Race totally appreciate the incredible commitment of those taking on the challenges we lay down and each participant is as important as the next regardless of how fast you can cover the distance. This is akin far more to an expeditionary undertaking than anything else.
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In delivering this unique challenge we prioritise factors such as safety, camaraderie and environmental concerns. Respecting the wishes of local stakeholders with our route management and litter policies is vital in being able to bring folk together for this unique experience. Safety above all else is paramount, as you will fully appreciate. To reasonably balance all these factors, we emphasise that the event is not a formal race environment, rather it is a challenge in the great outdoors where great folk come together with a common purpose.
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EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
The event is very lucky to have secured the services of Leo Francis as official event photographer. Leo has worked on several of Rat Race’s Bucket List events before, including the Mongol 100. This means not only is he an excellent photographer in his own right; but that he really ‘gets’ these types of events.
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For this Challenge, we are doing photography a little different than run-of-the-mill standard event photography, but an entirely standard approach for us and it’s tried and tested – to 100s of customers’ satisfaction. Instead of Leo shooting and you then you selecting a number of photos post-event from a fairly unwieldy and piecemeal selection (leading to a lot of wastage in the shots and hours spent spreading the editing thinly across ‘anything and everything)’ we want the service to be as personal as possible. We think that something this epic deserves that.
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Leo will therefore be offering a one-price, advance purchase arrangement. He will shoot you in action and provide an amazingly varied series of shots of you out there doing your stuff; plus, a selection of general event photos, provided as a digital album. He will also include individual portrait shots, working with you directly to create some special images.
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The price for this service is £150. If you would like to use this service, please tick the box in the pre-event form and make payment via the payment link included in the form. The service is available for participants and crew. The crux here is that he will ONLY shoot those who sign up to the service in advance, ensuring he is concentrating on those who have taken the plunge. This ensures that he can 100% focus on the job in hand for those who wish to purchase; and avoids the wastage of hundreds of shots on the edit-room floor. For clarity, Leo is doing this at his own risk and all proceeds of photo sales go to him and not to Rat Race. We believe this is an excellent service, at a very keen price, from a first-class photographer. It is of course not in any way compulsory. ​
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COMMS COVERAGE & DATA
You will most likely have phone reception in Khatgal on 2nd/3rd March (and then again on 7/8th March) and some may also have weak reception in Khank on 4th March. Whilst on the ice it is unlikely you will have any regular mobile service, although it may be patchy in places. The event will not be providing data or phone services in this period unless for EMERGENCY USE.
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CONTACT
To facilitate the very best support for you whilst embarked on the event, we have prepared some contact information below that should assist you and loved ones both before departure and then throughout your adventure. Please find a series of phone numbers and email addresses and instructions on which is to be used; and for what. Finally, we have included an action check-list so you may tick off the pre-event jobs arising from this Essential Event Information document.
1.) For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure:
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events@ratrace.com - Admin-based, challenge-based , kit, training, route, prep questions
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office@trailmed.co.uk - Medical-based advice or discussion on medical conditions in confidence
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2.) For specific arrivals and pre-trip issues in the days immediately prior to arrival in Mongolia – A WhatsApp group will be set up pre-arrival. This will include numbers of crew members if you need assistance whilst you travel to the event. 
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3.) Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the event: events@ratrace.com
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The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (your name)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator.
Well that’s it for now! I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this fantastic adventure through Mongolia next year. I strongly suggest you read this document a couple of times and really get the programme and requirements clear in your head at this stage. It will ensure that when you get to Mongolia you can focus on soaking up the majesty of the place we’re visiting.
See you all soon!
Kate Guard
Event Director, The Mongol 100 2026